We are seeking proposals from artists for a new mural in the
Children’s Wing Entrance at the new library at 10 Dixon Avenue!
Apply by Monday, April 7th!

Would you like to see the mural site in-person before submitting? Contact director Ivy Gocker at ivy@woodstock.org

Children and families entering the Children's Wing at our new library will enjoy a whimsical and inspiring mural on their journey thanks to a generous donation from longtime Woodstock resident Patricia Mitchell and family! We are seeking proposals from artists to design and paint an original mural in our new library building. The winning proposal will receive a $5,000 award from the Library. The design should include elements that invoke our surrounding natural landscape in the Catskill Mountains as well as the unique history of our community. We would like to see a design that is appealing and welcoming to children and families. 

Applications are due by end of day on Monday April 7, 2025 and the winning proposal will be selected no later than May 5, 2025. Work will begin shortly after, dependent on the Library’s construction schedule. Review and selection of the winning artist proposal will be handled by a special committee appointed to this task, include Library trustees, staff, Friends of the Library, and community members working in the arts. We know our community has no shortage of artists, and we look forward to seeing your ideas for an inviting and unique entryway experience for our children. Our deep thanks goes to Patricia Mitchell for her support and sponsorship of this initiative.

Details are below, or can be downloaded as a pdf at this link.

Overview

Woodstock resident Patricia Mitchell has donated money to create an original mural to the entrance and hallway leading to the Children’s Wing (including the Teen Room) of the new Woodstock Library at 10 Dixon, Woodstock, NY 12498. The mural project has been assessed by the Woodstock Library Board of Trustees. The mural space consists of a hallway that is approximately 375 square feet. The Woodstock Library will retain all rights to the artwork that is created.

Artwork Theme

The Woodstock Library Board has requested that the following design elements be included in the mural.

  • Natural landscape mirroring the Catskill Mountains, where the library is located (could include the mountains on one side and the Hudson River on the other with local floral

  • Whimsical representation of animals that are found in the area (could include black bear, deer, rabbit, fox, owl, etc and in scenes that kids could recognize from well-known tales)

  • Storybook-inspired elements that are specific to the Woodstock community, spirit and history (could include Village Green, town landmarks, peace sign, library. Could also include kids playing instruments as a note to the town’s musical history as well as the original library building - a historical element is important)

  • Ceiling that goes from daylight to the night ski (could include rainbow, sun, stars, moon, birds, etc, there are some ceiling fixtures to work around)

  • Natural colors found in the Catskill Mountains that is appealing and inspirational to children

  • The mural must be an original composition created by the selected artist and must not contain any copyrighted material


Timeline

  • Request for Proposal Issued: Monday, March 10, 2025

  • Deadline to Apply: Monday, April 7, 2025

  • Selection of Artist: Monday, May 5, 2025

  • Project Begins: May 2025; TBC based on construction

  • Project Completion Date: TBC based on construction; will have a maximum of 5 weeks to complete

Project Details

  • Budget: $5000 to be paid to the selected artist as follows:

    • Installment #1: $1000 upon official selection (to be used for supplies, as needed by artist)

    • Installment #2: $4000 upon completion of project

  • Mural Area: The mural wall consists of an interior wall, approximately 9 feet tall, 20 feet long on one side of the hallway and 14 feet long on the other side, and 4 feet wide (for ceiling surface) - approximately 375 square feet total. There is a door to a utility closet in the hallway, within the mural space. See Appendix A for detailed measurements.

  • Timeline: Upon notification of official selection, the artist shall have a minimum of 4 weeks to complete the mural.

  • Working Hours: The artist’s working schedule will be determined based on construction schedules.

  • Supplies: The artist will provide all supplies needed to create the mural. The mural must be created with artist quality acrylic paints and varnished to protect the surface unless otherwise agreed upon.

  • Oversight: The Library Director and/or Library staff and/or construction crew will be present in the library when the artist is working and will be available to address any questions the artist may have.

How to Apply

The Woodstock Library Children’s Wing Mural project welcomes anyone to apply, and artists who currently live in Woodstock, NY or have ties to the Catskills or the Hudson Valley are preferred. Applications will be reviewed and selected by the Woodstock Library Mural Committee in partnership with the donor, Patricia Mitchell.

The following must be submitted as part of the application:

  • Cover letter addressed to Woodstock Library Mural Committee. Please introduce yourself and your experience as well highlight your qualifications and interest in the project (including any ties to the Library, town, area)

  • A list of design elements to be included.

  • Examples of your artwork.

  • Your primary painting medium (oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, etc.).

  • Your primary artistic style (realistic, impressionistic, modern, etc.).

  • Up to three, scaled-to-size designs of your vision for the mural (can be on paper, board, or canvas, and may be done with any medium). Please reference Appendix A for mural wall measurements. Pictures of the space are attached in Appendix B.


Applications must be addressed to: Woodstock Library - Attn: Library Mural Committee.

Applications can be submitted:

  • In person during Library hours (address: 5 Library Lane, Woodstock, NY 12498)

  • By US mail to 5 Library Lane, Woodstock, NY 12498

  • Electronically via email to ivy@woodstock.org. Text files must be in pdf format and image documents must be in jpg format.


Deadline to submit application: Monday, April 7, 2025.